Azerbaijani soldiers are actively assisting individuals fleeing conflict in Iran at the Astara border crossing. Those arriving are provided with water, hot tea, and food before being escorted to border control for onward travel.
Reports indicate a significant number of returning Azerbaijanis. Foreign nationals also utilizing this route include diplomatic personnel from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, along with citizens from Italy, Jordan, Tajikistan, Bangladesh, and China.
Other nations whose citizens have used the corridor include Poland, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Brazil, Tunisia, and France. However, obtaining a mandatory evacuation code before departure has proven a challenge for some.
Erol Erman, a Turkish national, described two days of travel due to "extremely heavy" traffic, a journey that normally takes six hours. He characterized the situation as "bad" with people anxious and panicking to reach shelters or leave the country.
The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry has advised its citizens to avoid travel to Iran and to depart if already there.
Altay Hacıyev, an Azerbaijani national returning from Tehran, expressed relief at reaching safety, noting prior shootings but thankfully arriving unharmed. He had a pre-arranged ticket for his return.
Local media report that buses and emergency services are on standby. Authorities in Azerbaijan remain prepared to facilitate further crossings as the situation in Iran evolves.